Dr. Noyes presents on Knee Chondrolysis

Knee joint chondrolysis caused by continuous intra-articular bupivacaine represents a serious complication in which diffuse chondrocyte death occurs over a relatively short period of time, leading to extensive loss of articular cartilage and progressive joint deterioration.  Dr. Noyes’ presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons “ Knee Chondrolysis After Surgery Following Intra-Articular Bupivacaine Infusion: Series of 21 Knees”, described the detrimental effects intra-articular bupivacaine use.  This presentation highlighted the severe complications of bupivacaine use and why it should be contraindicated as a form of post-operative pain control.

Each year, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) hosts an Annual Meeting providing the finest and latest in orthopaedic education, research and technology.

This year, the 2012 Annual Meeting was held February 7—11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The event featured more than 500 exhibitors in 219,500 net square feet of exhibit space. As one of the largest and more prominent annual medical conventions in the U.S., the AAOS brings a sizeable amount of revenue to the host city by utilizing hotels, restaurants and more. (Previous host cities included San Diego in 2011, New Orleans in 2010, Las Vegas in 2009 and San Francisco in 2008.) The last Annual Meeting held in San Francisco earned a Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Award based upon the meeting’s technological innovation, green initiatives, global participation and brand leadership.

2012 AAOS ANNUAL MEETING AT A GLANCE:

• 30,000+ total attendees (unofficial)

• AAOS member attendance was comparable to 2011
• 34 symposia by the world’s orthopaedic experts on timely orthopaedic topics
• 814 paper presentations and 578 poster presentations on the latest scientific and clinical studies
• 215 instructional courses presented by world-renowned faculty
• 87 scientific exhibits on extended studies or complex procedures
• 500+ technical exhibits that demonstrated the latest advancements in orthopaedic products and services
• New Guided Poster Tours led by experts in a particular topic or field. Experts reviewed research highlights, and answered questions from participants

• New AAOS technology for attendees at the 2012 Annual Meeting included:

• Instructional courses and symposia evaluations available via the AAOS Mobile Meeting Guide (for smartphone/tablet users)
• Audio narratives available for poster presentations
• Webcasting allowing select symposia to be viewed live. Following the webcast, the symposia were available online, at no cost for attendees